Snowmobiling Deaths on Ice (Infographic)

Too many times this season we have heard of fatal snowmobile accidents. Sadly, fatal snowmobile accidents occur yearly, most of which are preventable. To commemorate International Snowmobile Safety Week earlier this year, SNOWMOBILEcourse.com took a look at the 2009-2010 Snowmobile Fatal Accident Reports from Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Across the two states, 30% of all snowmobile-related fatalities occurred on a frozen lake or river. SNOWMOBILEcourse was most surprised to find that of these fatalities only 25% resulted from breaking through the ice. The other 75% resulted from collisions with fixed objects, such as docks, rocks, ice huts or bridges, or other snowmobiles and vehicles.

In both states, alcohol and/or drug use was a common risk factor for snowmobile accidents on waterways. Of all fatal accidents occurring on frozen waterways, 75% involved drugs or alcohol.

However, the most common risk factor for fatal accidents on frozen water was lack of daylight. Over the 2009-2010 season, 83% of fatalities that occurred on frozen lakes or streams occurred at night. Glance at the chart to see which events (or combination of events) resulted in fatalities over waterways.

These statistics suggest some clear tips for riding on frozen waterways:

Don’t drink and ride.

Drinking always impairs judgment. And whether this means not checking ice conditions or driving too fast, lack of judgment and frozen (or not frozen) water can be deadly.

Slow down (and slow down even more at night).

Especially at night, it’s hard to know what’s out there on the lake. Whether sketchy ice, a bridge column or an ice fishing hut, you won’t see it in time if you override your headlight.

Check the condition of the ice.

Experts say there’s no way to know for sure if the ice is safe. That means extreme caution is required. Snowmobiles need 5 inches of clear solid ice. Check with a trusted local source (like a bait shop) and check the ice yourself when you get there.

Don’t ride alone. And make a ride plan.

Riding with a buddy can be a lifesaver in any number of situations. Even if you are travelling with a friend, tell someone else your plan and check in when you arrive safely.

Know what to do if you go through.

Going through the ice is a bad situation. But it doesn’t have to be fatal. Review what to do before you go out, and if something should happen, stay calm but act quickly. Carry ice picks and use them to pull yourself out on the edge where you broke through, which will be the most solid edge. This is a good video demonstrating the use of ice picks.

The video below, demonstrates how to get out freezing water in the event of a fall through the ice.